This book, based on newly classified material, describes the Jewish defense actions in the 1948 War of Independence. Milstein discloses the internal frictions among the Jewish commanders; the subsequent elevation of Ben Gurion to supreme command; and all the events—political and military—of the first month of war. The book is singular in its critical method, in the vast number of documents consulted, and the thousands of interviews with people, many of whom have passed away. Instead of generalizations, the book analyzes in detail the determinant events during that first month. It is intended for scholars, students, and the general public.

"These...volumes constitute the most important work of military historiography ever published on Israel's War of Independence. Milstein has produced a broad, honest, in-depth, well-documented study that goes far beyond anything else previously publishedin Israel or abroad." - Ha'aretz

"Stands out for the author's reluctance to taint the evidence with political opinion, his desire to let the facts speak for themselves, and a sound translation." - Middle East Quarterly

"Stands out for the author's reluctance to taint the evidence with political opinion, his desire to let the facts speak for themselves, and a sound translation." - Middle East Quarterly

"These...volumes constitute the most important work of military historiography ever published on Israel's War of Independence. Milstein has produced a broad, honest, in-depth, well-documented study that goes far beyond anything else previously published in Israel or abroad." - Ha'aretz